MPI investigators even questioned whether the ministry was perverting the course of justice.

Mr Pankhurst said he is concerned about this.

"Yes indeed, and I think any untoward activities do need to be investigated."

But Greenpeace New Zealand's executive director Russel Norman said Mr Pankhurst can't have it both ways.

"The fact is that the Auckland University report showed large levels of dumping and non-reporting, and then the Ministry for Primary Industries report showed large levels of dumping and non-reporting of catch - these things are entirely consistent," Dr Norman said.

"The seafood industry would do better just to read the reports."

The wildlife conservation group, WWF New Zealand's head of campaigns Peter Hardstaff said Mr Pankhurst's statements are just nonsense.

"You'd think that Seafood NZ, you'd think that the New Zealand fishing industry would be looking at this and thinking it's time to wake up guys, it's time to get onto this issue - the credibility of New Zealand's fishing industry is at stake."

Mr Hardstaff wants the inquiry into MPI to also investigate why the death of a Hector's dolphin was never reported by the ministry.

Operation Achilles revealed the ministry knew a skipper caught and killed two Hector's dolphins in their nets - but one was floated back out to sea.

Mr Hardstaff says it's almost impossible to protect endangered species when their deaths aren't reported.